David O. Russell: Oscar Nominee, ‘Norbit’ Fan

David O. Russell sat on a couch at the Vanity Fair and Chrysler party held to celebrate his film, “American Hustle,” and told a reporter how much he loved another movie: “Norbit.”

“I am an Eddie Murphy fan, as is my son. Have you watched ‘Norbit’?” he asked. Then he did an imitation of the character of Norbit’s wife, Rasputia, before changing the subject. “This is probably not what an Academy Award person should be talking about.”

Russell was in good spirits. His film has received 10 Oscar nominations, including nods for Best Picture, Best Directing, Best Original Screenplay, and all four acting categories. In recent years, Russell has become a favorite among Academy voters, and his films “The Fighter” and “Silver Linings Playbook” have received nominations in similar acting, directing and writing categories, in addition to Best Picture.